Published 14th Jan, 2025

By Timileyin Akinmoyeje

Tanker-related emergencies were the most recurring disasters in Lagos in 2024, outpacing fire outbreaks and building collapses at 507 incidents, according to Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) records.

LASEMA attended to 1,675 incidents over the year, with 507 of those related to tankers on the road. This included 345 accidents, 129 breakdowns and 19 cases of fallen tankers or trucks.

These details were shared in a recap of the 2024 emergencies and emergency response efforts by LASEMA on Tuesday.

Road accidents came second with 458 recorded cases, while fire disasters, which included 266 fire outbreaks and 19 vehicle-related fires, ranked third with 285 incidents.

There were at least 32 building collapse emergencies in Lagos within 12 months.

FIJ investigated and documented the reasons for frequent heavy vehicle accidents in Lagos in November 2023. The report showed how weak enforcement of safety regulations and truck drivers’ disregard for safety — such as using substandard straps to secure cargo — fuelled the high rate of accidents on Lagos roads.

Meanwhile, Lagos recorded its highest number of emergency cases (167) in December. Road accidents led with 58 cases, while tanker-related emergencies followed closely behind with 43 incidents. Fire disasters accounted for 33 cases.

Region-wise, Eti-Osa Local Government Area recorded the highest number of incidents for the month with 23, followed by Ikeja with its 22 incidents, and Alimosho with 21. In contrast, Badagry and Ajeromi-Ifelodun reported no emergencies.

The densely populated Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) recorded the highest number of incidents for 2024, with a total of 262 cases. Ikeja LGA followed closely with 185 cases, and Eti-Osa LGA came in third with 168 incidents.

Meanwhile, the agency reported that it had recorded a total of 8,117 incidents over the past six years. In 2021, it recorded the highest number of cases at 1,743.

Share on Social Media